A common mistake is treating every over-counter microwave as interchangeable, even though countertop and over-the-range models serve different kitchen layouts. The right comparison starts with how each unit fits your space, cooking routine, and ventilation needs. This guide sorts the best over counter Microwaves by the details that matter most, so keep reading before choosing one.
Key Takeaways
- Measure the available opening, including width, depth, and height, before selecting any microwave.
- Choose wattage based on cooking speed, with 1,000 watts or more generally offering quicker heating.
- Match capacity to your cookware, since 1.7 cubic feet handles larger dishes than compact models.
- Confirm the installation type, because countertop and over-the-range units require different spaces and setup.
- Check ventilation details, especially CFM rating and duct options, if the microwave will sit above a cooktop.
| High-Power Countertop | GE Countertop Microwave 1150W | High 1150-watt output | Generous 1.6-cubic-foot capacity | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Classic OTR Fit |  |
GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu Ft | Over-the-range installation | 30-inch width | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family-Size Workhorse |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft | Family-friendly capacity | Over-the-range design | 1000-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Steel Option |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft | Spacious 1.7-cubic-foot interior | Stainless steel finish | Over-range placement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Strongest Ventilation |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu Ft | Largest 1.9-cu.-ft. capacity | 400 CFM ventilation | Over-the-range design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Countertop |  |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft | Compact 1.2-cu.-ft. size | 1000-watt output | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Basic Black Installation | Black Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft | Roomy 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity | Black exterior | Over-range placement | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Black Kitchen Workhorse |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft | Standard 1.7-cu.-ft. size | 1000-watt output | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright White Finish |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave White | Bright white finish | 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity | Over-range installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refined Stainless Design |  |
Sharp Over-Counter Microwave 1.5 Cu Ft | Balanced 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | Stainless steel finish | Over-counter installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE Countertop Microwave 1150W
The GE Countertop Microwave suits kitchens that need strong cooking power without an over-the-range installation. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity gives you room for larger plates, bowls, and family-size portions.
The stainless steel finish fits easily with other appliances, while the 1150-watt output supports faster everyday heating. Its limitation is simple: this is a countertop model, so it uses valuable work-surface space and does not provide built-in ventilation.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1150 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:High-power cooking output
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GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu Ft
Choose this GE model if you want a 30-inch over-the-range microwave with a familiar stainless steel appearance. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity suits everyday meals while keeping the countertop clear.
The 1000-watt output handles standard reheating and cooking tasks, and the over-the-range format can make better use of limited kitchen space. Because the listing provides no ventilation rating, confirm the venting setup and installation requirements before ordering.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:30-inch over-range format
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving installation
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a sensible pick for family kitchens that need more interior room than a compact model provides. The 1.7-cubic-foot capacity accommodates larger dishes, while 1000 watts covers routine cooking and reheating.
Its over-the-range design keeps the microwave above the cooktop, helping preserve counter space. The main limitation is the lack of published details about finish, ventilation, and controls, so installation planning requires a closer product-page check.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving design
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
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Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft
Midea’s over-the-range model fits buyers seeking a roomy 1.7-cubic-foot cavity in a stainless steel appliance. That capacity is useful for dinner plates, casserole dishes, and larger portions, while the 1000-watt output supports everyday kitchen routines.
The stainless steel finish gives the unit a coordinated look with many modern ranges and refrigerators. Still, the available listing does not state a ventilation rating, so check the ducted or recirculating setup required for your kitchen.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu Ft
For larger households, this BLACK+DECKER model offers the set’s largest listed capacity, with 1.9 cubic feet of interior space. The combination of 1000 watts and room for larger cookware makes it well suited to frequent meal preparation.
Its defining advantage is the 400 CFM ventilation rating, which can help move cooking odors, steam, and airborne grease away from the range. The tradeoff is its larger footprint, so measure the cabinet opening and available clearance carefully before installation.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Ventilation:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:400 CFM ventilation
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
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TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu Ft
The TOSHIBA countertop model is aimed at smaller kitchens, apartments, offices, and secondary cooking areas where every inch of counter space matters. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity remains useful for standard plates and bowls without the bulk of a larger unit.
The black finish gives it a straightforward, understated look, and 1000 watts provides capable everyday cooking power. Its honest limitation is capacity, since larger casserole dishes may not fit as comfortably as they would in a 1.6- or 1.9-cubic-foot model.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
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Black Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft
This unnamed over-the-range model offers a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1000 watts, a practical combination for standard family meals. The black exterior may suit kitchens that need a darker appliance finish rather than stainless steel.
Its over-range format keeps the microwave off the counter and places it above the cooking surface. Since the listing does not identify the brand, ventilation rating, or control features, you should verify those details before making a final purchase decision.
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving design
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu Ft
This BLACK+DECKER model makes sense for a kitchen that needs a standard-size over-the-range microwave in black. Its 1.7-cubic-foot interior offers useful room for everyday plates and serving bowls, while 1000 watts handles routine heating and cooking.
The black finish can coordinate well with dark ranges and other appliances, and the installation style preserves counter space. The listing does not provide a ventilation figure, which is the key detail to confirm for range-area installation.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving design
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave White
A white over-the-range microwave can brighten a kitchen while providing 1.7 cubic feet of cooking space. This BLACK+DECKER model delivers 1000 watts, giving you a practical option for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and handling everyday dishes.
The white finish is especially useful in kitchens with white cabinetry or appliances, where a stainless unit might look out of place. The available information does not include ventilation performance, so confirm the installation specifications before fitting it above a range.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000 watts
- Finish:White
- Additional Feature:White exterior
- Additional Feature:Over-range placement
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving design
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Sharp Over-Counter Microwave 1.5 Cu Ft
The Sharp R1214TY suits kitchens that want a 1.5-cubic-foot over-counter microwave with a polished stainless steel appearance. Its capacity falls between compact and family-size models, making it a balanced fit for everyday cookware and standard dinner plates.
The stainless steel finish gives the appliance a clean, coordinated look, while the over-counter format preserves workspace below. The listing does not state the wattage or ventilation capacity, so those specifications should be confirmed, particularly if the unit will sit above a cooktop.
- Brand:Sharp
- Type:Over-counter microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Over-counter placement
- Additional Feature:Countertop-saving design
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Countertop Microwave Should You Buy?
Choose a model that fits both your counter and your cookware. A 0.7 to 1.0 cubic-foot microwave suits small kitchens and light use, while 1.2 to 2.2 cubic feet provides room for larger plates, bowls, and serving dishes. Measure the available space with the door open, and leave the recommended ventilation clearance listed in the manual. Interior capacity alone does not tell you whether the unit will fit comfortably.
Is 700 Watts Enough For A Microwave?
A 700-watt microwave can handle basic reheating and defrosting, but it will usually take longer than a 900- to 1,200-watt model. You may also need to stir food more often to reduce cold spots. For regular family meals, choose at least 900 watts if the budget and electrical setup allow it. Always adjust cooking times when recipes were written for a different wattage.
Are Countertop Microwaves Safe On A Kitchen Counter?
Yes, a countertop microwave is safe when placed on a level, heat-resistant surface with the required ventilation space. Do not place it inside a cabinet unless the manufacturer specifically approves that installation. Keep the unit away from sinks, standing water, and crowded corners. Use microwave-safe containers, never operate the oven empty, and avoid covering ventilation openings.
What Is The Difference Between Countertop And Over-The-Range Microwaves?
A countertop microwave sits on a stable surface and usually costs less, installs quickly, and offers more freedom about placement. It does not replace a range hood or provide dedicated ventilation above a cooktop. An over-the-range model mounts above the stove and may include cooktop lighting and ventilation, but installation is more involved. It also requires suitable cabinet space, electrical access, and enough clearance above the range.
Do Inverter Microwaves Cook Food Better?
Inverter microwaves provide a more consistent lower power level, rather than repeatedly switching between full power and off. That can help with delicate foods, defrosting, melting, and reheating items that dry out easily. The benefit is greatest if you often prepare fish, sauces, chocolate, or frozen meals. For simple reheating, a conventional microwave with accurate power settings can still be a sensible, lower-cost choice.
